Clock-circuit-control device



G. A. ALBRIGHT.

CLOCK CIRCUIT CONTROL DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.Y4, 1920.

Patented May 16, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

I wmvasss INVENTOB A TTOR/VEIS G. A. ALBRIGHT.

CLOCK CIRCUIT CONTROL DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 4, 192g.

UNITED s'rArEs GEORGE A AIQIBRIGHT,

OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

CLOCK-CIRGUIT-CONTROL DEVICE.

Application filed February To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEORGE A. ALBineHT,

. a citizen of the United States, and resident .of-Atlanta, in the county of Fulton and State of Georgia, have invented a new and mproved Clock-Circuit-Control Device, of

which the following is a full, clear, and exact. description.

Thisinvention relates generally to a circuit control means for electric devices. having circuit closers in which it-isimperative that a circuit establishing means be provided which is positive and durable in operation. More particularly, this invention relates to a circuit closing means for electric clocks, and a means for enabling a circuit periodically to'be completed, and to vary the period through which the circuit is periodically established and maintained.

In the electric clocks heretofore provided, it has been common practiced) periodically establish a circuit by means of platinum circuit closers associated with the pendulum and escapement mechanism of the clock. The circuit for'electromagn'etic devices controlling the clock Winding and striking mechanism, and other secondary clock movements were thus controlled by the periodically actuatedplatinum circuit closers. .It' has been found in practice, that the troubles and difiicultiesof the electric clock installaculties heretofore' encountered, due to de-- tions are primarily due to the unsatisfactory character of ,the contacts. After a certain period oftime'troubles and .difiiculties invariably develop resulting in defective operation caused by the improper functioning of the circuit closing contacts. In electric clocks, the proper functioning of the contactsjis necessary, because they are the vital parts of the system upon-the proper functionin of which depends the accuracy of the tim piece. For instance, one of the diffifective contacts has resultedin what is known as stepping up, which is causedby rough contacts which cau'se'a succession of impulses through circuits controlling the master clock or secondary circuits.

A furtherobjection to the devices heretofore provided for electric clocks, has been that objectionable noises are produced by the operation of electromagnets. Further,

.it has 'not been possible to obtain adependable circuit closer for introducing asufiic ent time perlod n a circuit for enabling Specification of Letters Patent. Patented May 16, 1922.

4, 1920. Serial No. 356,314.

relatively large masses to be moved, for purposes such for example as for actuating a gong or winding mechanism.

One of'the objects of this invention is to provide an improved circuit closing means periodically actuated for establishing a circuit throughout a period, which is simple in construction and positive, durable and reliable in operation, and which will overcome the-objections above noted in devices heretofore employed.

A- further object of this invention is to provide a method which will enable the time period through which a circuit is energized to be adjusted and controlled, through an'improved circuit closer periodically actuated by a pendulumv or other time controlled device. A particular advantage of such an arrangement, is that it will enable the time period of a circuit to be properly controlled to permit relatively ,large units to function, for example to wind the clock, actuate striking mechanism, or cons trol other secondary circuits.

' 'Still a further object of this invention is to provide in an electric clock a circuit closing means intermittently actuated through apendulum and'escapement mechanism, the

circuit closer being of such a type that the area of the parts establishing the circuit is continually changing throughout the period of contact, thus affording a reliable and durable closer, eliminating the cause for defective operation through repeated interruptions of the circuit at any one point. 1 More specifically, an object of this invtnjtion is to provide acircuit closer for a time control device comprising contacts, one

of which'is movable periodically, as for 111-;

stance by a pendulum,.the other comprising a liquid mercury contact movable intermittently to a position in which the contact, movable periodically by the pendulum movement, is permitted to dip within the mercury cup contact. A particular advantage of a contact of this type, is that substantially no pressure is required to be exerted between the contacts in order to efiect aproper closing of the circuit. This feature is of" imp rtance in insuring accuracy in delicate instruments.

A- further object of this invention'is to provide a circuit closer includinga mercury contact movable intermittently to enga e another contact controlled by a pen ulumthe motor in a magnetic field.

through a pawl and ratchet connection,

that objectionable noise is eliminated, and

instead of a mechanical cushion being utilized for limiting the movement of the actuating member, a magnetic cushion is formed by the movement of the armature of Such a device is applicable for use in small clocks adapted for private use, where quiet and reliable operation is desirable, and is also applicable for use on very large clocks adapted for use out of 'doors in public places. struct'ed in accordance with this -invention will enable the usual counterweights required for the large hand to be dispensed with. Further, a time control circuit of this character may readily be used to control a suitable striking device for large clocks requiring the use of heavy parts. I

Another more specific object of this invention is to provide in a circuit closer, a mercury cup contact of such a construction as will permit a certain amount of movement and j olting without spilling the liquid. The cup may be so proportionedas to be .held in an inverted position and still retain the contents.

An 1mportant advantage in providing a circult closer for a clock including a mercury cup contact, is that the accumulatioir of dust and dirt will not interfere with the proper functioning of the circuit closer. It has been found by experimenting and testing over a'period of time, that the accumulation of dustand dirt particles upon. the surface of the liquid contact does not interfere with the operation of the circuit closer. By the provision of a circuit closer including a liquid mercury contact in a master clock, the operation of systems controlled by such a master clock is rendered practically infallible in so far as dilticulties due to the collection of dirt upon the contacts is concerned.

The invention consists in providing a liquid or mercury cup contact intermittently movable to engage another contact movable periodically with a pendulum whereby a positive and durable contact is afforded throughout a desired period for an electroresponsive control device.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following specification. and

the accompanying drawings forming part' this specification, and showing for ea- In the latter use, a device con-' ample. one practical embodiment of vention. 'lhe invention will be more ticularly pointed out in the appended cl: in the accompanying drawings similar characters of reference designate corre sponding parts in the several views.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in elcvation, looking in the direction of the. arrows and taken on the line 11 of Figure 2, showing certain parts broken away, of a clock mechanism ei'nbodying the invention, the hands of the clock being shown in dot and dash lines.

Figure 2 is an elevation view partly in section looking in the direction of the arrows and taken generally on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing more clearly the liquid or mercury contacts.

Figure 1 is an enlarged elevation view partly in section showing the contacts, the method of mounting the same, and a means for adjusting the parts-to vary the period of contact.

Figure 5 is a plan viewshowing a means of adjusting onset the contacts.

lVith reference more particularly to the accompanying drawings showing for example one practical embodiment, the invention is shown as applied to a clock mechanism well known in the art,'and as shown herein comprises a pendulum having a rod 1 and a weight 2 adj ustably carried at one end thereof, said pendulum being suspended in a well known manner through a spring member 3 connected to a support 1 which in turn is secured to a suitable standard 5. A suitable frame is shown consisting of front and back plates 67 respectively, connected by suitable rods 8, and in which the shafts, hereinafter to be mentioned, are rotatably supported. An escapement mechanism is mounted in the frame, consisting of an escapement wheel 9 mounted on the shaft 10 which is rotatably supported in the plates 67. A verge 11 mounted on a verge shaft, 12 is also shown rotatably mounted in the plates 6- 7, the said verge shaft being connected in a manner well known in the art with the pendulum rod 1 by a member 13, and the verge 11 is arranged to co-operate with the teeth 14 of the escapement wheel in a well known manner. The escapement mechanism is connected through a suitable train of gears with a spring motor mechanism, sl own as comprising a spring 15 wound a suitable drum 16. One end 17 of said spring is connected to a rod 18 secured to a gear 19 which in turn drives a gear 20 mounted on the escapemcnt shaft 10, through the intermediate gears 21.22 mounted on a shaft 23 rotatahly supported, the said gears 21 and 22 engaging respectively, gears 19 and 20. Preferably the gear ratio between the gears and 19, sixty to one, so that for one revolution of the gear 20, there will be one sixtieth of a'revolution of the gear 19. The other end 24- of the spring .15 is connected to another rod 25 which is connected with a toothed ratchetwheel. 26, to turn therewith. The rods 18 and 25 connected respectively with the ends 17 and 24 of the spring, are' preferably ofsuch a length and; so positioned on the respective gear 19, and ratchet Wheel 26, that they will strike each other when the spring that the gear 19, and the ratchet wheel 26, are rotatably mounted in a suitable manner to permit: independent movement.

As a means of moving the hourhand-minute hands 27 and .28 respectively, the movement of the gear 19 may be transmitted through a shaft 29 to the minute hand 28,

and through suitable gearing not shown, the

hour hand 27 may be actuatedzby suitable connections well known in "the art. It is to be understood that this.inventionlis'not to be limited to the arrangement of parts and certain details of construction herein shown, but that the same may be varied to suit individual preference" and conditions of use.

A means is provided for automatically winding the spring and keeping a practically unifo'rm tension: upon the gear 19 through the spring 15., In order 'toefiect this purpose, preferably, a reciprocating motor 30, of suitable. construction having an armature 31 is. provided to intermittently actuate the ratchet Wheel 26, which wheel in turn moves-the rod 25 therewith and thus winds the spring'l5 a certain amount. In

the form shown, the armature 31 maybe -ro-'. tatably mounted in any suitable manneron a shaft 31'- between pole pieces '32,- 33. A

' crank arm 34 is shown secured to the shaft 31, and is connected b "a link .3 5 'to' one end of an arm 36, the ot er end'of said armbeing rotatably mounted in a sultable'manner upon a shaft 37'. IA spring'pressed pawl 38 is shown pivotally mounted onthe arm 36, and one end of saidpawl is adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchetwheel 26.

It is thus seen that an oscillating movement of 'the armatur'e 31, will move the arm 36 f t from' a position indicated by the dot and dash li'ne, to the full line positiomas indidated in Figure 1 and will accord ingly' ro tate the ratchet wheel 26 a part of a revolution. ,The springpressed pawl 38 functions as an \actuating pawl to rotate the ratchet wheel 26, and the spring pressed pawl 39 functions as a holding pawl. In order to restore thearm 36, and the armature 31-to a.

, ratchet wheel 26 may be provided with any number of teeth, but preferably sixty is employed, a suitable means being provided for intermittently energizing the oscillating motor at minute periods. In this manner, the clock is wound every minute, thus maintaining a relatively constant spring tension.

-One of the advantages in providing a re ciprocating motorfor effecting the winding operation, is that objectionable nolses are eliminated. In devicesheretofore employed,

mechanism. Further, by the use of a reciprocating mot-or, together with the circuit .control means hereinafter to be described,

relatively large units may be controlled for winding large clocks.

As. before stated, an inherent weakness of the time clocks heretofore employed, has been the use'of circuit closers including a plurality of solid metallic contacts, as for instanceof platinum.- In order to insure accurate time keeping, it is of utmost importance that there be no chattering of the contacts due to worn parts, or the collection of dust'or dirt, for under such. conditions. a succession of circuit impulses are formed which result in a step up operation. Further one of the reasons that a suitable electric striking device has not been used, and also one of the reasons why the application to large public clock has not been satisfactory, is due to the difiiculty of providing a satisfactory means for introducing a suitable time period in engergizing a circuit. The inertia difficulties due to relatively heavy parts have made necessary the provision of a suitable time period in which to permit the parts to function. found in practice, that by providing a mercurial contact in the control circuits for the electric clock, that the difliculties heretofore encountered are overcome, enabling a system to-be provided which is durable, reliable and practically infallible in operation.

-.-In the preferred form shown, a cup 41 having liquid mercury 42 therein, is shown mounted on an arm 43 pivotally supported at 43', the said arm having a counterbalance weight 44 suitably arranged at the other end thereof. The other part of the circuit closer is shown as comprising a contact 45. preferably composed of platinum, the said contact be'ing adjustably connected to another arm 46 mounted on the verge shaft 12so as to have a continuous periodical movement therewith. In the form shown, the arm 46 is mounted on blocks 47, 48 preferably composed of insulating material, and'a suitable counter balance weight 49 is provided for the arm .46. It is thus seen that the contact '41 will periodically dip within the liquid It has been mercury 42 of the mercurial cup contact, and

the contact will continue for a certain period,

I which may be varied. It is to be noted that when the contact 45 dips within the liquid mercury that the continuous contact is maintained, but that the area of the parts in contact is continually changing. In other words, the contact is maintained throughout bodying mercurial contacts.

In order to bring the mercurial cont-act oi.

the circuit closer into operative position intermittently, a means is provided for moving the arm 43 at the desired time, and for a desired period. In the form shown, for this purpose, a disc 50 is mounted on the escapement shaft 10, and is provided with an arm 51 having a cam face 52 thereon which is adapted to engage a pin 53 mounted on the arm 43, so that intermittently for a desired period, the mercury cup contact is moved to a position in which the contact may dip within the li uid mercury. It is to be understood that this invention is not to be limited to the means shown herein for actuating the arn143, but any other suitable construction may be provided for this purpose. In the form shown, the mercurial contact is connected in the circuit of the reciprocating motor 30, so that at the proper time the said motor Will be energized for a desired period and thus-automatically wind the spring of theclock. It is to be noted that by providing a suitablearrangement oi? the mechanism torintermittently actuating the arm 43, that the liquid contact may be brought in a functioning position at any time, and for any desired period. It is further to be understood that other circuit closers of this character may be suitably arranged to control a striking mechanism, or other secondary circuits, in which it is desirable to introduce a certain period for operation, and electrical connections well known in the art may be provided for this purpose.

In operation, the period through which thecontact is established may be varied by changing the angular relation of the arm 16.

carrying the platinum contact, on the verge shaft, or by varying the design or the mercury cup containing the liquid, so as to permit a relatively deep cup port on to be formed. This would permitthe platium contact d5 to move within the liquid mercury for a substantial period, thus. energizing a control rcuit for a corresponding period. l With reference to Figure 8, showing a mercury cup .ing the circuit closer.

in section, it is apparent that the end oil th platinum contact d5 may move within. the liquid mercury a substantial distance.

lVith reference to Figures and 5, a modification is there shown in which the mercury cupdl is adjustably carried on the arm 43,

and the contact 45 is shown ad iustably ca-- providing a cup having a relatively small diameter as compared with the de 3th that the mercury is readily retained in the pocket.

It has been "found. in practice, that it is possible to so design the cup portion that the same may be 1nverted, without the mercury falling therefrom. This is an advantageous feature in a device of this character in which both contacts are movable.

As shown in Figure 1, the motor 30 is connected in series with the mecurial contact circuit closer, and the battery as a source of current supply, but it is to be understood that any suitable source o'li current supply may be provided. It has been found in practice, that a mecurial contact oi this character may be used in a circuit oi: relatively high voltage. T his has not been practicable in the ordinary circuit closers now provided. Such a feature, readily enables av motor of substantial size to be employed for large clocks.

\Vhile a certain practical embodiment and and a circuit closer comprising. a plurality.

of contacts, one of said contacts being movable wlth a pendlum, the other contact includmg a mercury cup. being movable inter- ,mittently to engage the named contact.

2. In a time control device a circuit closer comprising a plurality of contacts one of said contacts including a liquid mercury contact periodically actuated by time control device, the other contact including" a member movable periodically with a pendulumand adapted to engage the mercury con-- for a given period. 3. in a time control device a. circuit closer comprising plurality of contacts one or said contacts including a liquid mercury contact periodically actuated by the time mechanism, the other contact including a member movable periodically with a pendulum and adapted to engage the mercury contact for a given period,whereby the area of the parts'is continually changing throu hout the period of contact varying the period of contact.

4:. In a time control device a circuit closer comprising a plurality of contacts .one of.

said contacts including a liquid mercury contact periodically actuated by the time,

control device, the other contact including a member movable periodically with a pendulum and adapted to engage the mercury contact for a given period, whereby the area of the parts is, continually changing throughout the period of contact and a means for varying the maximum area of the parts in contact.

5. In a time control device a circuit closer comprising a plurality of parts, one of said arts being movable periodically by a pengulum, the other part comprising a mercury the period for which the and a means or cup, arranged to contact with said first named part throughout a portion of two beats of the'pendlum, whereby a circuit is completed for a determinate period, the area of the parts in contact changing throughout contact-is maintained.

6. A circuit closer including a mercury contact, and another contact having a periodic movement controlled by a pendulum adapted to engage .the throughout aportion of the pendulum.

7 An electric circuit control for a timeindicating device including means to operate said time indicating device, a pair of electric contacts, one continuously oscillating, and the other periodically actuated and brought into contact with the oscillating contact thereby providing energy for said two vibrations of time device operating means, said periodically actuated contact comprising a mercury cup into which the oscillating contact im merses. Y

GEORGE A. ALBRIGHT.

mercury contact 

